Can you imagine how deep in sin you would be without the sacrifice of Jesus?
After years of persecuting the followers of Christ, Paul knew this all too well, which is why it was so pivotal for him to write the epistles to the early church.
A Letter to a Carnal Church
In 1 and 2 Corinthians, the apostle Paul is pleading with the church of Corinth, which happens to stake its roots in the desires of the flesh. This is very problematic for the Bride of Christ.
Throughout these two books of the Bible, we can observe that Paul is granted the incredible task of encouraging and challenging the church. In fact, this is the ancient model for the First Baptist Church of Glenarden today—cause there is a whole lot of mess here, and that’s okay! To be honest, we want the drunkkards, whoremongers, and those in affliction to come to our church because it is our responsibility to preach the good news of Jesus Christ!
So let’s dig deeper into the meaning of this pivotal passage in God’s word.
4 Ways to Actively Discern Christ’s Sacrifice (1 Corinthians 11:23-30)
The act of communion is not something the believer should take lightly. It is a means of reconnection and repentance to the One who paid it all.
Remember the Gift of Christ’s Sacrifice (vs. 23-24)
“For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’”
1 Corinthians 11:23-24, NKJV
If there is only one thing we do as we partake in the holy communion, it is to remember the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. For without this priceless act of love, we would remain and die in our lives of sin.
Participate in Communion (vs. 25-26)
“In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.”
1 Corinthians 11:25-26, NKJV
Saints, are you intentionally taking part in your church’s communion practices? If not, I implore you to start. Accepting Christ as Lord of your life is only the beginning. As His followers, we have the incredible opportunity to fellowship with God the Father through the act of remembering His Son’s death on the cross, and we do so through the Last Supper.
So let’s give due respect to the cross.
Repent and Turn From Sin (vs. 27)
“Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 11:27, NKJV
Unfortunately, many in the church show up on Sunday morning and go through the motions. They worship, pray, and listen to the sermon according to schedule; however, this could be dangerous when it comes to communion.
Church, make sure your hearts are right before you take of the bread and the cup. Otherwise, you will be deemed just as guilty as those living in the world.
Examine Your Heart (vs. 28-29)
“But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.”
1 Corinthians 11:28-29, NKJV
If we are not actively examining our hearts and repenting of any known (and unrealized) sin, we will become numb to discerning the Body of Christ. This is important, especially as we live lives rooted in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
So what are the consequences of losing our discernment?
Consequences of Not Discerning the Lord’s Body
While losing your discernment can bring with it blindness in the spiritual realm, God’s word tells us that there are much dire repercussions: death.
1 Corinthians 11:30 and 32-34 continue by saying:
“For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.
But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment. And the rest I will set in order when I come.”
Church, if we are not careful to hold fast to our discernment in the spiritual and earthly realms, we will become spiritually blind and die.
Blindness That Comes From Not Discerning the Lord’s Body
As believers, it is crucial that we walk in the light so that we can remain spiritually vigilant while on the earth. So what are the consequences of not walking in discernment?
We Lose Sight of the Meaning of Communion
The act of communion is a serious and holy occasion. This is the time when you realize and recognize your need for Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. During this spiritual act, you become more aware that His body took the pain and shame that was meant for you. Jesus welcomed the ultimate punishment for our actions and our sin.
But what happens when you become blind to the meaning of communion? It can cause selfish ambition and apathy to just how great a cost Jesus’ death was. When we are intentional about honoring communion, it enables us to keep our eyes on just how great a sacrifice the cross is, which takes our focus off of our own doings and places it rightfully back on the mercy and power of God.
Communion is a gift of grace because you are a child of God.
We Lose Sight of the Body of Christ
Not only are we granted freedom to partake in the Last Supper, but we have been grafted into a greater body than ourselves: the Body of Christ. However, many parts of this body have grown blind to each of the unique working parts. They are behaving in ways of dishonor, disrespect, and selfishness. Church, we must give preference to one another above ourselves.
Romans 12:10-13 in the New King James Version says, “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another, not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.”
When you fail to reconcile with someone who has offended you, you are not discerning the Body. And when you continue finding faults while holding grudges, you are not living at peace with the Body.
Jesus said when we love one another, as He has loved us, then both He and the world will know we are one of His disciples (John 13). Church, be mindful that when we don’t demonstrate the love of God to those around us, we are failing to show the world who Jesus is.
Discerning the Lord’s Body means that you recognize, realize, and respect His bride. It requires honor, love, and forgiveness, and enables us to serve one another before ourselves. This is the beautiful cadence of His sons and daughters. And as we continue looking to the One who sustains us, we will have spiritual clarity of His kingdom.
For more on discerning Christ’s Church, check out Pastor John K. Jenkins, Sr.’s sermon, Discerning the Lord’s Body.
